Can You Hear Me? Season 1 Episode 3 I Exist
- January 30, 2019
Can You Hear Me? is a Canadian television series that explores and delves into the lives of three young women, Arab, Deaf and Black, all struggling to find their place in the world and navigate their personal and professional relationships. The show highlights the complexities of intersectionality, and it is a breath of fresh air in terms of representation.
In season 1, episode 3 ('I Exist'), Mélissa (played by Mélissa Bédard) finds herself at odds with her romantic partner, Samir (played by Fayçal Aït Aattou), as they struggle to understand and navigate their romantic and personal relationship. Meanwhile, in another part of town, Amir (played by Mehdi Bousaidan), one of the barbers at the salon where Deaf character, Ada (played by Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin), works, struggles with his own personal demons.
The episode explores themes of self-worth, personal growth, and the difficult nature of personal and romantic relationships. It also shines a spotlight on the Deaf community and the challenges they face, particularly in communication and understanding. The episode is a testament to the intersectionality that exists in our lives and highlights how our identity shapes our experiences.
For Mélissa, 'I Exist' highlights her struggles with accepting herself and understanding her worth. Despite her confidence on the outside, she faces a lot of self-doubt and insecurities, which bubble to the surface as she grapples with Samir's expectations of her. Samir wants her to be more independent, and she finds herself struggling to live up to his expectations.
Mélissa's struggles are compounded by the arrival of her parents, who are less than supportive of her relationship with Samir. Mélissa feels like her parents don't understand her, and she struggles to reconcile her own desires with their expectations. The episode explores how cultural expectations and familial pressures can sometimes conflict with our own desires and sense of self.
Meanwhile, Ada is faced with her own personal and professional challenges. A young Deaf girl comes into the salon for a haircut, and Ada struggles to communicate with her effectively. The girl's father is dismissive of Ada and her abilities, which highlights the difficult reality that Deaf individuals face in a hearing-focused society. Ada struggles to communicate with the father effectively, and the episode highlights the importance of inclusivity and understanding in all aspects of our lives.
Amir, the barber at the salon, also finds himself grappling with his own personal demons in 'I Exist'. He is struggling with addiction and is barely making ends meet. The salon is a place of comfort for him, but he feels like he's not putting his best foot forward. The episode provides insight into the struggles of addiction and recovery, and how important community and support are in overcoming these challenges.
Overall, 'I Exist' is an episode that highlights the complexities of personal and romantic relationships, the challenges of cultural expectations, and the importance of inclusivity and understanding. The show does an excellent job of shining a spotlight on marginalized communities and the struggles they face. It is a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of everyday life and is definitely worth watching.
